"The 16-year-old male and 14-year-old female were nearing the end of their natural lives in captivity. ...

" 'Because of the pride of lions' natural structure and behavior, the zoo has had to euthanize the two old lions and two young lions who were not old enough to fend for themselves,' the zoo said in a statement.

"According to zookeepers, the male cub 'would have been killed by the new male lion as soon as he got the chance.' "

The AFP reports the new male will be introduced to the zoo's two female lions, who have just now reached breeding age.

The wire service goes on to quote Chief Executive Steffen Straede as saying, "The zoo is recognized worldwide for our work with lions, and I am proud that one of the zoo's own brood now forms the centre of a new pride of lions."

We are not whether the euthanized lions were also the ones who got to eat the giraffe.